The water channel AQP1 is expressed in human atherosclerotic vascular lesions and AQP1 deficiency augments angiotensin II‐induced atherosclerosis in mice

Abstract

AQP1 is expressed in atherosclerotic lesion neovasculature in human and mouse arteries and AQP1 deficiency augments lesion development in ANGII-promoted atherosclerosis in mice. Normal function of AQP1 affords cardiovascular protection.

Direct visualization of the arterial wall water permeability barrier using CARS microscopy

“…It is likely that this distribution of water permeability in the arterial wall will play an important role in many disease states as well as different therapeutic approaches. It has been recently reported that AQP1 plays a protective role against hypertension-augmented atherosclerosis in mice (33). This observation supports our hypothesis that AQP1 plays a role in reducing pressure-related strain on the endothelial cells.…”

Potential Molecular Pathways Related to Pulmonary Artery Aneurysm Development: Lessons to Learn from the Aorta

“…In fact, the identification of mutations classically related to familial PAH (BMPR-2, TBX4, KCNK3) are not more frequent among patients with a PAA [1]. Furthermore, although some molecular pathways altered in PAH have been shown to be somehow implicated in great vessel aneurysm development (e.g., increased ALK1 receptor pathway activation in TAA [18], ENG mutations in some patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia [19] and TAA or CAV1 and AQP1 implication in abdominal aorta aneurysm [20,21]), their association with PAA has not been described. However, some of the molecular pathways related to the development of TAA have been described to have a role in PAH pathogenesis [17].…”

Endothelial Aquaporins and Hypomethylation: Potential Implications for Atherosclerosis and Cardiovascular Disease

“…Among the orthodox AQPs, AQP1 was found to be the major water channel expressed in endothelial membranes supporting a major role in transcellular water movement throughout the body [ 12 , 13 ]. Notably, the importance of AQP1 to maintain endothelial homeostasis and cardiovascular health has been recently reported [ 14 , 15 ]. Endothelial dysfunction is a well-established response to cardiovascular risk factors that precedes atherosclerosis development.…”

“…Endothelial dysfunction is a well-established response to cardiovascular risk factors that precedes atherosclerosis development. It was documented that AQP1 is expressed in human atherosclerotic lesions and its deficiency was related to endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis progression [ 15 ]. In another example, illustrating the importance of AQPs in health, besides a strong involvement in gastrointestinal pathophysiology [ 16 ], aquaglyceroporins are emerging as key players in adipose tissue homeostasis and insulin response with potential implications in obesity and metabolic-related complications, such as metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease (CVD) [ 17 ].…”